Collectors guide to David Hockney's iPad and Computer Drawings: Explore prices, editions, and market insights for Hockney’s digital works.

  • Winter near Kilham, 2008, computer drawing by David HOCKNEY
    Winter near Kilham, 2008
    Computer Drawing Printed by Inkjet
    48.25" x 37", Edition of 25
    ©David Hockney
     

    David Hockney's iPad and computer drawings represent one of the most important digital bodies of work in contemporary art. Beginning with the iPhone in 2008 and later embracing the iPad and computer-based drawing technologies, Hockney used digital tools not as a departure from traditional artmaking, but as a new way of exploring colour, light, perspective, and the changing world around him.

     

    Over the following two decades, this approach produced some of the artist's most celebrated series, including The Yosemite Suite, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, My Normandy, and 20 Flowers and Some Bigger Pictures. This guide explores the development of Hockney's digital practice, how these works were created and published, and what collectors should know when researching and acquiring examples from this increasingly significant area of his oeuvre.

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  • In this article:

  • David Hockeny's The Arrival of Spring 31 May, NO 1, 2011
    The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire, 31st May, 2011
    iPad drawing printed on paper
    55in x 41.5 Inch, Edition of 25
    © David Hockney

    What Are David Hockney's Digital Drawings?

    From iPhone to iPad and everything in between...
    David Hockney's digital drawings are artworks created using devices such as computers, iPhones, and iPads, which were later published as signed limited-edition prints. Rather than replacing traditional media, digital technology became another tool within Hockney's artistic practice, allowing him to explore colour, light, perspective, and composition in new ways - often when he was on the move.
     
    Hockney first began experimenting with digital media in the 1980s using computer-based drawing systems and later adopted Photoshop as part of his creative process. Following the release of the iPhone and iPad, he embraced touchscreen technology, using applications such as Brushes to create drawings directly on the device. The ability to work quickly, intuitively, and without the physical limitations of paint or paper allowed Hockney to capture ideas and observations with remarkable immediacy.

     

     

     

  • What Digital Series Has David Hockney Produced?

    Since adopting digital technology,  Hockney has created a number of series using computers, iPhones, and iPads. These include The Yosemite Suite, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, My Normandy, and 20 Flowers and Some Bigger Pictures. Together, these series demonstrate how Hockney used digital technology to explore landscape, still life, perspective, and the changing seasons, while continually adapting his artistic practice to new tools and mediums.

     

    Major David Hockney Digital Series:

    David Hockney Digital SeriesYearMediumEdition Size
    Computer Drawings 2008–2009 Photoshop and Computer Drawing  30/25/15/12/7
    Early Digital Works 2009–2010 iPad, iPhone and Computer  25
    Yosemite Suite 2010 iPad  25/12
    Arrival of Spring in Woldgate 2011 iPad  25/10
    Taschen Series 2019 iPhone, iPad & other  100/250
    My Normandy 2020–2021 iPad & other  35
    20 Flowers and Some Bigger Pictures 2021 iPad and photographic drawings  50/25/35
  • David Hockney, *30th May 2021, From the Studio*, 2021. iPad drawing capturing the artist’s view from his Normandy studio, part of his ongoing digital series. © David Hockney.
    30th May 2021, From the Studio, 2021
    ©David Hockney, courtesy of ©Salts Mill.

    WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE VALUE OF DAVID HOCKNEY'S DIGITAL DRAWINGS?

    Series:
    One of the biggest drivers of value is the series itself. Works from landmark projects such as The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate are among Hockney's most sought-after digital works, reflecting both their importance within his career and their strong secondary market performance.
     
     
    Edition Size:
    Edition size plays an important role in determining value. Smaller editions are generally rarer and often command higher prices, although collector demand, the significance of the series, and the desirability of the image itself can be equally important.
     
    To learn more, see our Arrival of Spring Collector's Guide.
  • Condition:
    As many of Hockney's major digital series are now more than a decade old, condition is becoming increasingly important. Collectors should consider factors such as paper condition, framing quality, light exposure, handling marks, and any signs of restoration or damage.
     
    For a more detailed overview, see our Collector's Guide to Prints and Works on Paper.

  • Current Arrival of Spring opportunities:

    • David Hockney The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 23rd April, 2011 iPad drawing on paper 55" x 41.5" Edition of 25
      David Hockney
      The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 23rd April, 2011
      iPad drawing on paper
      55" x 41.5"
      Edition of 25
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    • David Hockney The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 14 March, 2011 iPad drawing printed on paper 55" x 41.5" In Edition of 25
      David Hockney
      The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 14 March, 2011
      iPad drawing printed on paper
      55" x 41.5" In
      Edition of 25
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    • David Hockney The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 2 January, 2011 iPad drawing printed on paper 55 x 41.5 In Edition of 25
      David Hockney
      The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 2 January, 2011
      iPad drawing printed on paper
      55 x 41.5 In
      Edition of 25
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  • How Much Do Hockney’s iPad / Digital Drawings Sell for?

     
    The value of David Hockney’s iPad and digital drawings varies depending on the series, edition size, and subject matter. Works from landmark series such as Arrival of Spring in Woldgate and Yosemite Suite often achieve the highest prices, while smaller or lesser-known digital editions can sell for less. Auction results show a wide range of values, reflecting the growing demand for Hockney’s digital artworks and the rarity of certain prints within each series.
     
    To explore a comprehensive record of auction and private sale results for each digital series, click to view our David Hockney price history database.
     

    David Hockney Auction Results 
    Arrival of Spring in Woldgate: Top 3 Auction Records
    ArtworkTitleEdition / Medium / SizeSale DateLocation & CurrencySale TypeAuction HouseSeller's Price*Buyer's Price*
    Buy or sell David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire, 19 February 2011, iPad drawing David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate,  19th February 2011 Edition Size: 25
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size:55" x 41.5"    		 October 17th, 2025 London (GBP) Auction Sotheby's London $781,989 $1,023,841
    Buy or sell David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire, 28 April 2011, iPad drawing David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, 28th April 2011 Edition Size: 25
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size: 55" x 41.5"    		 October 17th, 2025 London (GBP) Auction Sotheby's London $716,823  $938,521
    Buy or sell David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire, 2 June 2011, iPad drawing David Hockney, The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate,  2nd June 2011 Edition Size: 25
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size: 55" x 41.5"    		 October 17th, 2025 London (GBP) Auction Sotheby's London

    $651,657

    		  

    $853,201

     
    Yosemite Suite: Top 3 Auction Records
    ArtworkTitleEdition / Medium / SizeSale DateLocation & CurrencySale TypeAuction HouseSeller's Price*Buyer's Price*
    David Hockney, Yosemite II, October 16 David Hockney, Yosemite Suite, Yosemite II, October 16th, 2011 Edition Size: 12
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size: 93" x 70"    		 December 18th, 2020 New York (USD) Auction Sotheby's New York

    $310,400

    		  $403,200
    David Hockney, Yosemite Suite, Yosemite No. 1, 2010 David Hockney, Yosemite Suite, Untitled No. 1 Edition Size: 25
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size: 37" x 28"    		 September 13th, 2022 London (GBP) Auction Phillips London

    $111,828

    		  

    $145,261

     
    David Hockney, Yosemite Suite, Yosemite No. 1, 2010 David Hockney, Yosemite Suite, Untitled No. 1 Edition Size: 25
    Medium: iPad Drawing
    Size: 37" x 28"    		 April 16th, 2025 New York (USD) Auction Christie's New York

    $106,700

    		  $138,600
    My Normandy: Top 3 Auction Records
    ArtworkTitleEdition / Medium / SizeSale DateLocation & CurrencySale TypeAuction HouseSeller's Price*Buyer's Price*
    David Hockney, My Normandy, A Bigger Fire, 2020 A Bigger Fire, 2020 Edition Size: 35
    Medium: iPad
    Size: 85.1 x 114.3 cm    		 June 14th, 2022 London (GBP) Auction Phillips London $64,230 $83,433
    David Hockney, My Normandy, Beuvron-en-Auge Panorama Beuvron-En-Auge-Panorama, 2019 Edition Size: 35
    Medium: Inkjet printed on paper
    Size: 86.4 x 109.2 cm    		 July 29th, 2021 Seoul (KRW) Auction Seoul Auction $67,943  $80,551
    David Hockney, My Normandy, A Bigger Fire, 2020 A Bigger Fire, 2020 Edition Size: 35
    Medium: iPad
    Size: 85.1 x 114.3 cm    		 September 13th, 2022 London (GBP) Auction Phillips London $53,677  $69,725
    Computer Drawings: Top 3 Auction Records
    ArtworkTitleEdition / Medium / SizeSale DateLocation & CurrencySale TypeAuction HouseBuyer's Price*Seller's Price*
    David Hockney, A Bigger Green Valley, 2008 (Computer Drawing) A Bigger Green Valley, 2008 Inkjet printed computer drawing
    60.6 x 85.4
    Edition of 15    		 June 15th, 2021 London (GBP) Auction Phillips London $334,482 $434,482
    David Hockney, Less Trees Near Warter, 2009 (Computer Drawing) Less Trees Near Warter, 2009 Inkjet printed computer drawing
    93.3 x 41.9 inches
    Edition of 15    		 January 19th, 2022 London (USD) Auction Phillips London $92,506  $120,163
    David Hockney, Matelot Kevin Druez (2), 2009 (Computer Portrait) Matelot Kevin Druez (2), 2009 Computer drawing in colours, printed on wove paper
    54.8 x 36.7 inches
    Edition of 30    		 April 19th, 2022 New York (USD) Auction Phillips New York $65,960  $85,680
    20 Flowers: Top 3 Auction Records
    ArtworkTitleEdition / Medium / SizeSale DateLocation & CurrencySale TypeAuction HouseSeller's Price*Buyer's Price*
    David Hockney, More Flowers on a Table, iPad drawing, 2021 7th March 2021, More Flowers on a Table Edition of 50
    iPad drawing printed on wove paper
    30 × 21 inches    		 March 14th, 2023 Christie's London (USD) Auction Christie's Online $53,018  $68,869
    David Hockney, Flowers Glass Vase on a Table, iPad drawing, 2021 20th March 2021, Flowers, Glass Vase on a Table Edition of 50
    iPad drawing printed on wove paper
    30 × 21 inches    		 January 24th, 2024 Seoul (USD) Auction K Auction $54,686  $64,834
    David Hockney, Red, Yellow and Purple Flowers on a Blue Tablecloth, iPad drawing, 2021 24th February 2021, Red, Yellow and Purple Flowers on a Blue Tablecloth Edition of 50
    iPad drawing printed on wove paper
    30 × 21 inches    		 May 27th, 2025 Seoul (USD) Auction Seoul Auction $52,860  $62,669
     

     

    *Figures use transaction-date exchange rates. Buyer's Price is inclusive of an estimated 26% buyers premium (except for South Korea results, where it is assumed to be 15%) and Sellers Prices is the Buyer's Price minus buyer's premium and estimated 3% vendors' commission. All figures are in USD. We have done our utmost to publish the most comprehensive price database, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information from third-party sellers. We accept no liability for decisions made as a result of the data presented within this page and encourage you to do independent research when making purchase decisions. 

  • Frequently Asked Questions About David Hockney’s iPad Drawings and Digital WorkS:

     

    Below is a list of frequently asked questions our Hockney Specialist receives from collectors. This section covers common queries about buying, valuing, and collecting David Hockney’s iPad drawings and digital artworks.

     

    Q: How large are David Hockney’s iPad EDITION SIZES?

    A: Edition sizes vary depending on the series and format. Hockney’s iPad drawings are typically released in limited editions, with larger-format prints produced in smaller numbers. For example, The Arrival of Spring and Yosemite Suite series include both regular and large-scale editions, each with its own edition sizes (Arrival of Spring editions: 25 regular, 10 large; Yosemite Suite editions: 25 regular, 12 large). Collectors should always check the specific edition size and format when reviewing a work’s value.

     

    Q: What happens to the original digital file of David Hockney’s iPad drawings?

    A: It is suspected that the original Arrival of Spring iPad files were deleted or locked to prevent any further reproduction of prints beyond the authorised editions. For some later artworks, the Certificate of Authenticity notes that the work may be reused in other sizes, manners and mediums, though not reproduced in the same medium and size. In practice, it is considered highly unlikely that Hockney would revisit or reprint these original digital files.

     

    Q: Do David Hockney’s iPad works come with Certificates of Authenticity (COAS)?

    A: Not all of David Hockney’s iPad works are accompanied by Certificates of Authenticity, as this can vary by series and edition. Arrival of Spring and The Yosemite Suite do not come with certificates of authenticity, whereas 20 Flowers and the My Normady series do. Series that do not come with a COA are verified through provenance or gallery records. If you would like confirmation for a specific work, you can contact one of our specialists HERE for a valuation. 

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